John "Jack" C. Kenish, 84, of Colchester, VT, died peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 1, 1941, in Sayre, Pennsylvania, the second son of Harry and Benita (Ferris) Kenish.

Jack grew up in Sayre where he developed his love for trains while his father worked for the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He graduated from Sayre Area Joint High School, class of 1959. A few years later he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts and was honorably discharged in 1964.

Jack spent over 30 years working for IBM, where he played a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge technologies. His contributions to the field were recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

In the early 1970's, Jack moved to VT where he continued to work for IBM until his retirement in 1992.

Jack's passions in life included boating and fishing on Lake Champlain, drawing, woodworking and creating his extensive miniature train collection, where he would spend many hours with his grandchildren. He was very artistic and would often draw cartoons based upon his experiences while working at IBM and his personal life, often giving these as gifts to his countless friends and family.

After his retirement from IBM, Jack would create works of art out of old boat wood that he would either sell at local craft shows or upon request. For many years, he was also a part owner of Pier 10 in Colchester, VT where he would spend all of his time, either working on his boat, swimming or hanging out in the club house telling stories.

Beyond his professional and personal achievements, Jack was a devoted family man. As a single bachelor at the age of 50, he married the love of his life, Sherry-Lynn Couture, on July 11, 1992, at his beloved Pier 10 and he became the proud stepfather of five children, whom he adored and treated like his very own. He cherished every moment spent with his family, whether it was boating on Lake Champlain, fishing by the lake, watching his beloved Pink Panther movies or the Three Stooges, playing with his trains or simply regaling everyone with his many stories.

Jack's legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication. He touched the lives of countless individuals with his warmth and generosity. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and community.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry-Lynn; his children, Mary Diefendorf and her husband, Eric Sr., of Poultney, VT, Kristi Zuver and her husband, Nathan Sr., of Bar Harbour, ME, Julie Anderson and her husband Michael of Weymouth, MA, Erin Murray of Hinesburg, VT and Scott Ward and his wife Jennifer of Bristol, VT; his fourteen grandchildren; Taylor and Eric Jr. (Hannah) Diefendorf, Chelsea, Ryan and Nicholas Thompson, Jacob Anderson, Cameron Martin, Finn (Maxx) and Alaina Murray, Karli Zuver, Lincoln and Jackson Ward and Liam Cavaretto; two great-grandchildren; Everleigh and Ellie Diefendorf. He is also survived by his brother, Steven Kenish and his wife Nancy of Lewis Center, OH, their two daughters Susan and Karen and their families. His brother in laws; David Fitzgerald, Randy Couture, Jim Couture and his wife Kathy and sister-in-law Claire Couture as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased in life by his brother Michael, brother-in-law Philip (Tom) Couture, sister-in-law Lori Fitzgerald and his grandson Nathan Zuver, Jr.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held at a later date at which time friends and family will be invited to gather and share their memories of this extraordinary man.

Jack's departure leaves a void that will never be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His life was a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and love. As we bid farewell, we remember the joy he brought into our lives and the indelible mark he left on the world.